ion cyclotron resonance heating

Ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) is a method used to heat plasma in fusion reactors. Plasma, an ionized gas, needs to reach extremely high temperatures, around 100,000,000 K, for nuclear fusion reactions to occur.1

ICRH utilizes electromagnetic waves directed at the plasma. These waves are absorbed by the plasma particles, transferring their energy. Specifically, if the frequency of the electromagnetic wave matches the frequency at which a nucleus gyrates around a magnetic field line, that nucleus efficiently absorbs energy from the wave. This resonant interaction is the basis of ion cyclotron resonance heating. Similar techniques, like electron cyclotron resonance heating, can be used to heat electrons.1

This method is one of two primary techniques for heating plasma for fusion energy, alongside neutral-beam injection. Achieving sufficient plasma temperature and confinement is crucial for practical fusion energy yields.12